Being loyal to an airline comes with plenty of perks. But choosing which frequent flyer program to stick with isn’t an easy decision, because of the sheer number of factors involved. Once you settle for an airline loyalty program, you then have to decide – is pursuing elite status worth it?
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In this guide, we’ll go in depth with one of the biggest airline programs in the United States to analyze how much value each of its status benefits is worth at each tier. We hope this will help you decide if you should push for Delta Medallion status.
DELTA SKYMILES PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has an introductory offer for 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
This card earns 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. It also earns 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. You’ll earn 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Upon renewal of your card each year, you will receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. The cost of government imposed taxes and fees will be no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
You and up to 8 travel companions get your first checked bag free on Delta flights. You’ll also receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
You’ll also get an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓. There are no foreign transaction fees and the annual fee is $250.
Delta Medallion Elite Status Overview
The Delta SkyMiles program has four Medallion status tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. To qualify, you need to earn a certain amount of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) and either a certain amount of Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs) or a certain amount of Medallion Qualifying Segments (MQSs) within a calendar year.
MQDs. Earn one MQD for every dollar you spend on Delta flights. The amount does not include taxes and government fees.
MQMs. How many MQMs you’ll earn depends on how far you fly and your fare class. Economy class tickets earn a rate of one MQM per mile, while high classes earn more. Note: MQMs roll over to the following year. That means any “leftover” MQMs you didn’t use to qualify for status will get you a head start for the following year.
MQSs. These count how many takeoff-to-landing flights you take. For example, a nonstop flight from New York to Los Angeles would earn one MQS. If you make a transfer in Atlanta, you would earn two MQSs.
| STATUS TIER | MQDs | MQMs/MQSs |
| Silver | $3,000 | 25,000/30 |
| Gold | $6,000 | 50,000/60 |
| Platinum | $9,000 | 75,000/100 |
| Diamond | $15,000 | 125,000/140 |
The higher your Medallion status, the more benefits you enjoy:
| SILVER | GOLD | PLATINUM | DIAMOND | |
| Earning rate | 7x miles | 8x miles | 9x miles | 11x miles |
| Comfort+ upgrades | x | x | x | x |
| First-Class upgrades | x | x | x | x |
| Preferred seats | x | x | x | x |
| Checked bags | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Priority airport services | x | x | x | x |
| CLEAR membership | x | |||
| Same-day standby | x | x | x | |
| Same-day confirmed | x | x | x | |
| Award change/cancellation | x | x | ||
| Priority phone line | x | x | x | x |
| Choice Benefits | x | x | ||
| Partner perks | x | x | x | x |
| Hertz benefits | x | x | x | x |
*For updated information, click here for our source.
Delta Medallion Elite Status Value
The lowest tier in the Delta Medallion program is Silver status, which requires either 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs, plus $3,000 MQDs. For the purpose of the analysis, we’ll assume you earned 30,000 MQMs with a $3,750 total spend ($0.125/mile cost).
Mileage bonus ($90). Earn 7 miles for every dollar spent on flights. That’s 2 more miles per $1 than members without status. Based on a $3,750 total spend, you’ll earn an additional 7,500 miles (worth $90).
$3,750 x 2 miles/$1 = 7,500 miles
Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ upgrades ($100). To upgrade to Comfort+, on both domestic and international flights, you must request it. The process is not automatic. Also, Silver members are only eligible to clear into Comfort+ 24 hours before departure. So most likely, those seats will already be filled by higher-tier elites.
Unlimited complimentary First Class upgrades ($250). Surprisingly, Silver members can upgrade to First Class on domestic flights as well as flights from the United States to Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. This perk even applies to award tickets. However, you won’t start clearing until 24 hours prior to departure, so all other Delta elites take dibs before Silver members.
Preferred seats ($25). If you don’t clear into Comfort+ or First Class, you can at least select your preferred seat. Delta calls these seats, “choice Main Cabin seats,” which typically include aisle or window seats behind Comfort+ and may include exit rows on certain aircrafts.
Waived baggage fees ($125). Enjoy 1 free checked bag over the standard allowance on most Delta flights. That’s a savings of $60 per domestic roundtrip flight and up to $200 on flights to Europe. Up to eight travel companions can also benefit from this perk. Note: Your free checked bag is limited to 70 pounds.
If you have a Delta American Express card, like Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you’ll get a second free bag when traveling within or between the United States and Canada.
Priority airport services ($50). You’re eligible for priority check-in and boarding. If you have a Delta American Express card, you also have priority boarding privileges.
Priority phone line ($50). While not the most valuable perk, it’s a useful one in the event of severe weather, power outages, system issues and more.
Partner perks ($50). Silver members enjoy SkyTeam Elite privileges when traveling with a SkyTeam partner airline. Benefits include priority check-in, boarding and standby, as well as preferred seating (subject to availability). You’ll also get perks with “preferred partners” like AeroMexico, GOL and Virgin Australia (click here for more info).
Hertz benefits ($10). Earn additional bonus miles when you rent vehicles from Hertz.
The second tier in the Delta Medallion program is Gold status, which requires either 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs, plus $6,000 MQDs. For the purpose of the analysis, we’ll assume you earned 60,000 MQMs with a $7,500 total spend ($0.125/mile cost).
Mileage bonus ($270). Earn 8 miles for every dollar spent on flights. That’s 3 more miles per $1 than members without status. Based on a $7,500 total spend, you’ll earn an additional 22,500 miles (worth $270).
Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ upgrades ($250). Gold members are eligible to clear into Comfort+ 3 days before departure. We give this perk a higher value at Gold tier because you’ll be flying more often and you have a better chance of clearing your upgrades.
Unlimited complimentary First Class upgrades ($650). You can upgrade to First Class on domestic flights and short-haul international flights, and you’ll start clearing 3 days prior to departure. With prioritization above Silver members and with additional flying, we bumped up this benefit’s value for Gold tier.
Preferred seats ($50). Same benefit as Silver status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Waived baggage fees ($250). Enjoy 2 free checked bag on flights within the United States and Canada. Note: Your free checked bags are limited to 70 pounds each.
Priority airport services ($250). In addition to priority check-in and boarding, Gold members also enjoy priority security and baggage delivery.
Waived same-day standby and confirmed fees ($150). Gold members don’t have to pay the $75 fee to go on standby or to switch to an earlier flight on the day you depart.
Priority phone line ($100). Same benefit as Silver status, but we calculated more frequent utilization. Plus, Gold agents are more knowledgeable than the ones for Silver members.
Partner perks ($150). Gold members enjoy SkyTeam Elite Plus privileges when traveling with a SkyTeam partner airline. Added benefits include priority security, baggage handling and immigration. You’ll also get additional perks with “preferred partners” (click here for more info).
Hertz benefits ($20). Same benefit as Silver status, but you also get complimentary Five Star Status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.
The third tier in the Delta Medallion program is Platinum status, which requires either 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs, plus $9,000 MQDs. For the purpose of the analysis, we’ll assume you earned 90,000 MQMs with an $11,250 total spend ($0.125/mile cost).
Mileage bonus ($540). Earn 9 miles for every dollar spent on flights. That’s 4 more miles per $1 than members without status. Based on an $11,250 total spend, you’ll earn an additional 45,000 miles (worth $540).
Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ upgrades ($400). Platinum members are eligible to clear into Comfort+ shortly after ticketing, if upgrade inventory is available.
Unlimited complimentary First Class upgrades ($1,100). You’ll start clearing to First Class 5 days prior to departure, with prioritization above Silver and Gold travelers.
Preferred seats ($100). Same benefit as Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Waived baggage fees ($325). Enjoy 3 free checked bag on flights within the United States and Canada. Note: Your free checked bags are limited to 70 pounds each.
Priority airport services ($375). Same benefit as Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Waived same-day standby and confirmed fees ($225). Same benefit as Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Waived award change and cancellation fees ($150). Platinum Medallions have the ability to change or cancel an award ticket without any fees. Note: This waiver does not apply to Basic Economy award tickets.
Choice Benefits ($200). When you qualify for Platinum status, you get to choose a Choice Benefit, including four Regional Upgrade Certificates (RPUs), 20,000 bonus SkyMiles, the ability to gift Silver status to a friend or family member, and more.
Priority phone line ($150). Same benefit as Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization and more knowledgeable agents.
Partner perks ($250). Platinum members have the same SkyTeam Elite Plus privileges as Gold Medallions, but you’ll also enjoy additional perks. Including access to Virgin Atlantic lounges internationally when traveling on Delta or Virgin Atlantic.
Hertz benefits ($40). Enjoy 250 more SkyMiles per Hertz car rental than Silver and Gold Medallions. Plus, you’ll receive automatic President’s Circle status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.
The top tier in the Delta Medallion program is Diamond status, which requires either 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs, plus $15,000 MQDs. For the purpose of the analysis, we’ll assume you earned 150,000 MQMs with an $18,750 total spend ($0.125/mile cost).
Mileage bonus ($1,350). Earn 11 miles for every dollar spent on flights. That’s 6 more miles per $1 than members without status. Based on an $18,750 total spend, you’ll earn an additional 112,500 miles (worth $1,350).
Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ upgrades ($700). Diamond members are eligible to clear into Comfort+ shortly after ticketing and enjoy the highest upgrade priority.
Unlimited complimentary First Class upgrades ($1,800). You’ll start clearing to First Class 5 days prior to departure with the highest upgrade priority.
Preferred seats ($100). Same benefit as Platinum status.
Waived baggage fees ($450). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Priority airport services ($620). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
CLEAR membership ($100). Enjoy expedited airport security via your complimentary CLEAR membership. Currently, CLEAR is available in 30+ airports and 20 event venues.
Waived same-day standby and confirmed fees ($450). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Waived award change and cancellation fees ($300). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Choice Benefits ($2,150). Receive 3 additional Choice Benefits when you unlock Diamond status. There are more Choice Benefits available at this tier, including Sky Club membership, additional upgrades, 25,000 bonus miles and the gift of Gold status to a friend or family member. For a full list of Diamond Choice Benefits, click here. It’s hard to pinpoint a value for this, because it depends on which Choice Benefits you select. But let’s assume you choose the following:
- Sky Club membership. We value this at $550 because you can access these lounges with certain credit cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express ($550 annual fee) and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee).
- 4 Global Upgrade Certificates. We value these at $300 each. We gave them a high value because they’re transferable to a travel companion.
- Gifted Gold status. Given the perks above, we give this Choice Benefit a $400 value.
Priority phone line ($325). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization and exrtemely helpful and knowledgeable agents.
Partner perks ($425). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Hertz benefits ($60). Same benefit as Platinum status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Is Delta Medallion Elite Status Worth It?
Given the numbers above, is Delta Medallion worth pursuing? The answer is up to you, because it depends on your travel style and needs. That said, below are a few questions that’ll help you with your decision.
- Does Delta fly to where you want to go? Medallion status isn’t worth pursuing if you don’t fly with Delta, or its partners, regularly. Check Delta’s service from your home airport and see how easily you can get to your choice destinations.
- Do the benefits matter to you? It doesn’t make sense to work towards the next Medallion tier unless there are perks that are worth the extra push.
- How often do you travel? If you’re not a frequent flyer, then pushing hard for a higher status won’t be worth it. Medallion benefits only apply when you travel. So if you don’t use your perks, the value of your status plummets.
- Do you prioritize price and convenience? Will you use Delta even when it’s not the cheapest option? Or the most convenient one? In other words, would you book a Delta flight with one stop over a cheaper, nonstop flight with American Airlines? If you’re not willing to trade in price and convenience for status perks, then Delta Medallion probably isn’t worth it for you.
- Could you get the same perks with a credit card? Many airline co-branded cards offer similar benefits you’d enjoy as an elite member. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides a free checked bag, priority boarding and a 20% inflight discount. And the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes complimentary Sky Club lounge access when flying with Delta, as well as waived checked bag fees, preferred boarding and the same 20% inflight discount. If the cards are within your budget, you might consider getting one instead of working hard to earn Medallion status.
Our Methodology
Our analysis on the value of Delta Medallion status is just one of the many ways to calculate status worth. Each person places their own value on each benefit, so you might very well come up with different numbers.
One person might always pay to sit in the front of the plane, so they won’t put much value on complimentary upgrades. Another might only travel within the United States, so lounge access internationally isn’t worth much to them. As such, feel free to play with the numbers we used until they make sense to you.
Our value estimates are based on the perks you would enjoy after having already achieved status and qualifying each year thereafter. If you’re new to the Delta SkyMiles program, you won’t get any benefits from the first 25,000 miles it takes to unlock Silver status.
In order to tie in values to Medallion benefits, we need to determine a certain amount of flying and a corresponding amount of spending. For all our analyses on elite status, we assumed the following:
- You earned 20% more elite-qualifying miles than the minimum required for that status level.
- You spent an average of $0.125 per elite-qualifying mile.
Like we’ve stated before, feel free to adjust our numbers to match your travel patterns. If you only travel domestically, you’re probably spending less than $0.125 per mile. And if you’re paying for international First Class travel on a regular basis, you’re likely spending much more per mile.
For this particular analysis, we value SkyMiles based on our most recent valuations, which is $0.012 apiece.
Bottom Line
Having elite status comes with a variety of perks that can make your travel both more comfortable and more rewarding. But not all status levels with all airlines are created equally, so it’s important to do your research and look into which program lines up best with your travel personality and needs. We hope after reading this post, you have a better idea on whether or not you should shoot for Delta Medallion status.
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